An emergency can happen anywhere, anytime—a flat tyre on a remote highway, an unexpected breakdown in heavy traffic, or an accident that requires immediate response. The difference between a manageable inconvenience and a dangerous situation often comes down to preparation. A well-stocked emergency car kit gives you the tools and supplies to handle common roadside situations and stay safe until help arrives.
This guide covers everything you need in your emergency kit, tailored specifically for Australian conditions where extreme heat, vast distances, and variable terrain create unique challenges.
Essential Safety Equipment
Safety equipment helps protect you and alert others during roadside emergencies. These items should be immediately accessible, not buried under luggage.
- Warning triangle (legally required in some states)
- LED emergency flares or flashing beacon
- High-visibility safety vest
- Torch with fresh batteries (or rechargeable with car charger)
- Fire extinguisher (1kg dry powder minimum)
- First aid kit (regularly check expiry dates)
Visibility and Alerting
When stopped roadside, visibility is critical for your safety. A warning triangle placed 50-100 metres behind your vehicle alerts approaching traffic. LED flares are safer than traditional road flares—they don't create fire hazards and last much longer. A high-visibility vest makes you visible when outside your vehicle, especially at night or in poor conditions.
Fire Safety
Vehicle fires can escalate rapidly. A small fire extinguisher (dry powder type) can suppress an engine bay fire in its early stages, giving you time to evacuate safely. Mount the extinguisher where you can reach it quickly—under the driver's seat or in the door pocket, not in the boot where you might not reach it in an emergency.
Tools and Equipment
The right tools can resolve many common breakdowns without needing to call for assistance.
Basic Tool Kit
A compact tool kit should include screwdrivers (flat and Phillips head in multiple sizes), adjustable wrenches, pliers, and a socket set covering common automotive sizes. A multi-tool combines many functions in a pocket-sized package and handles unexpected needs. Include electrical tape, duct tape, cable ties, and a few metres of wire for temporary repairs.
- Know where your spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace are located
- Verify the spare is properly inflated before you need it
- Gloves protect hands during dirty tyre changes
- A tyre puncture repair kit can get you to a service station
- Portable air compressor for reinflating and pressure adjustment
- Tyre pressure gauge for checking correct inflation
Jump Starting Capability
A flat battery is one of the most common roadside issues. Jumper leads allow another vehicle to help start yours, but they require a good samaritan to stop. A portable jump starter is self-sufficient—modern lithium units are compact enough to store in the glovebox and powerful enough to start most vehicles multiple times on a single charge. Many also include USB ports for charging phones and LED lights for emergency illumination.
Survival Supplies
In Australian conditions, survival supplies are essential. A breakdown in remote areas or extreme weather can become life-threatening without proper provisions.
Water
Water is non-negotiable. Carry a minimum of 4 litres per person, more for remote travel. Store in multiple containers so a single failure doesn't leave you without. Replace stored water every few months—plastic containers can degrade in heat and affect water quality. Also carry water suitable for the radiator, stored separately from drinking water.
In Australian summer, a stranded vehicle without air conditioning becomes dangerously hot within minutes. If you break down in heat and can't drive to shade, stay with your vehicle—it's easier for rescuers to spot than a person walking. Use whatever shade is available, keep hydrated, and signal for help. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even briefly.
Food and Provisions
Pack non-perishable snacks that withstand heat: nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, and crackers. These provide energy if you're stranded waiting for assistance. Avoid chocolate and items that melt or spoil. Rotate these supplies every few months to maintain freshness.
Shelter and Comfort
An emergency blanket (the reflective "space blanket" type) takes almost no space but provides warmth in cold conditions or shade and heat reflection in hot conditions. A small tarp can create shade if stranded in sun. Include sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat for sun protection if you need to be outside the vehicle.
Communication and Navigation
Being able to call for help and know where you are is crucial in emergencies.
Phone Charging
Keep a car charger permanently plugged in and consider a portable power bank as backup. A dead phone in an emergency is a serious problem. If you frequently travel in remote areas, consider a satellite communication device—personal locator beacons (PLBs) can summon emergency services anywhere, while satellite messengers allow two-way communication.
Physical Maps
Don't rely solely on digital navigation. A road atlas or relevant state maps provide backup when phones die or have no signal. Physical maps also help you communicate your location to emergency services if you're unsure of your exact position.
- 000 (Emergency services)
- Your roadside assistance membership number
- Your insurance company's emergency line
- A trusted family member or friend
- Your mechanic's number
- Store these in your phone AND written on paper in your kit
Documentation
Keep copies of essential documents in your emergency kit.
Include photocopies of your driver's licence, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. In an emergency or if your wallet is lost, these copies help establish ownership and coverage. Store the originals securely but keep copies accessible. Also include your roadside assistance card and any medical information that might be relevant in an emergency.
Seasonal Additions
Adjust your emergency kit contents based on the season and your travel plans.
Summer Kit Additions
Extra water becomes even more critical. Add additional sunscreen, insect repellent, and a spray bottle for cooling misting. Include a portable USB fan that runs from your power bank. Ensure any medications in your kit are stored in an insulated container—some medications degrade rapidly in heat.
Winter Considerations
If you travel to alpine areas or cold regions, add warm clothing layers, a beanie, and gloves. In extreme cold, hypothermia is a real risk if stranded. A small amount of high-energy food (chocolate works fine in winter) provides quick calories. Check that your window de-icer or scraper is accessible if frost is possible.
Kit Organisation and Maintenance
An emergency kit is only useful if it's organised and maintained.
Storage Solutions
Use a dedicated bag or container that keeps everything together and accessible. A soft-sided bag fits better in irregular spaces, while a plastic container protects contents from moisture and damage. Store the kit where you can reach it without unloading the entire boot—the area behind the rear seats or a side compartment works well.
Regular Checks
Schedule a quarterly kit review. Check expiry dates on first aid supplies, food, and water. Test your torch and jump starter. Verify your spare tyre pressure. Replace any items you've used. Update seasonal items as needed. An outdated or incomplete kit provides false confidence.
- First aid supplies within date
- Water fresh (replaced every 3-6 months)
- Food supplies rotated and not expired
- Torch batteries fresh or device charged
- Jump starter charged to at least 75%
- Fire extinguisher gauge in green zone
- All tools present and functional
Knowing How to Use Your Kit
Having equipment is only half the equation—you need to know how to use it. Practice changing a tyre in your driveway before you need to do it on a dark roadside. Learn basic jump-starting procedures. Familiarise yourself with your first aid kit contents and basic first aid techniques. Know how to use your fire extinguisher—read the instructions now, not during an emergency.
Consider taking a first aid course and a basic vehicle maintenance course. The skills you develop may help not just yourself but others you encounter in emergencies.
Building a comprehensive emergency kit requires an initial investment of time and money, but that investment pays off the moment you need it. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you're prepared for common roadside emergencies is valuable every time you get behind the wheel.